Wentzville officials are considering tightening restrictions on political canvassing and signs, but one alderman says the proposed changes are an attempt to hobble his campaign.

During their Feb. 8 meeting, the Board of Aldermen reviewed draft bills to restrict political candidates from campaigning in city buildings and prevent them from placing campaign signs near traffic signals and stop signs. The board agreed the bills needed refinement before coming up for a vote.

Alderman Nick Guccione, Ward 3, said the bills were really an attack against him and his mayoral campaign. "This is a self-serving issue being brought forward because of the election," he said. "This is personal."

Guccione is one of four candidates for mayor in the April 3 election. The others are Alderman Leon Tow, Ward 1; former alderman Bill Schuette; and former Mayor Darrel Lackey. Incumbent Paul Lambi did not file for re-election.

Alderman Chris Gard, Ward 2, refuted Guccione's charges during the meeting. Gard said the public, especially seniors, have told him political signs are out of control and they want the board to clean up the problem.

"It is not about one candidate," Gard said. "Any law that passes, every candidate has to abide by it. No candidate would be allowed to go outside the rules."

The proposed changes would add language to existing ordinances, prohibiting signs within 30 feet of traffic signs, signals or other traffic control devices. To avoid First Amendment conflicts and remain "content neutral," the law would apply to any signs and advertising devices, not just campaign signs.

Lambi said it is already against the law to place signs within government rights of way. Every candidate for elective office in Wentzville receives a packet explaining the laws, Lambi said.

Guccione said he obtained permission from property owners for every sign he has placed. But people have moved his signs into the city right-of-way, he said. "I have it on video," he said. "It happens."

The changes to political canvassing laws would prohibit people from soliciting contributions, seeking political support or votes inside City Hall and the city's other administrative buildings during office hours. The law would allow people to canvass in the Board of Aldermen meeting room, as that is considered a "public forum."

Guccione said this was another attempt to discredit him. He said the bill was retaliation for an incident that took place Jan. 3, when Guccione and political supporter Donna Sherwood visited the Wentzville Police Department to congratulate the newly hired Chief Lisa Harrison.

"I did not give her literature," Guccione said. "I did tell her I was running for mayor. I was not sure she knew that."

Sherwood is running for alderman in Ward 2 against Sonya Shryock and Jeremy Pritchett. The winner would fill the seat held by Alderman Vann Sample, who is not seeking re-election.

Guccione said he and Sherwood were on their way to a meeting where they hoped to get a union endorsement, when Guccione decided to stop at the police station and see the new chief. As they left the building, the chief's assistant asked how the campaign was going, Guccione said. He said he responded that it was "going fine," talked for two minutes, then left the station.

"The next day, it was on a blog saying that I was campaigning in the police department," Guccione said. He said the proposed laws would violate his First Amendment right to free speech.